Mariah Sosa
Mariah Sosa
Mariah Sosa
More than 4,600 Adventurers, Pathfinders, leaders, and family members gathered at Camp Kulaqua for Red Zone, Florida Conference’s annual year-end celebration of Adventurer and Pathfinder ministries. The event drew its largest attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic, with Camp Kulaqua’s lodging at full capacity and approximately 2,500 participants camping in tents throughout the weekend.
This year also marked an important season of transition. After 16 years of service in Florida Conference, Pedro Perez has accepted an invitation from the North American Division to serve as International Camporee director. During his leadership, Perez helped strengthen Adventurer and Pathfinder ministries across the Conference. Rolando Morgado recently joined the Florida Conference Pathfinders and Adventurers ministries team as associate director. Morgado comes from pastoral ministry, most recently serving the Lake Worth and Jupiter Spanish churches.
Red Zone provides fellowship, recognition, spiritual growth, and fun for clubs from across the Conference. One of the event’s primary purposes is recognizing clubs that achieve “Club of the Year” status, an honor awarded to clubs that complete required reports, fulfill ministry expectations, and demonstrate excellence throughout the year. Special recognition was also given to Adventure Bible Game and Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) teams for their accomplishments during the year. At division-level PBE, all 17 Florida Conference teams earned first-place honors, with one team achieving a perfect score.
Adventurers enjoyed programming specifically designed for them, including worship experiences, talent presentations, honors activities, and the popular Bug Races. In this longtime Red Zone tradition, children design, decorate, and race small two-wheeled wooden “bug” vehicles.
Pathfinders participated in Pathfinder Skill Events, which tested Bible knowledge and practical skills such as tent pitching, jump-rope techniques, archery, and fire building. One particularly popular event challenged teams to build a fire large enough to burn through a rope suspended 18 inches above the ground, with the fastest team earning top honors.
Additional activities included drill-and-drum competitions, talent presentations, recreational opportunities, go-karts, and Camp Kulaqua’s popular water park. Worship programs reminded Adventurers and Pathfinders that their ministries are about far more than activities and awards. As young people preached, led worship, and participated throughout the programming, they demonstrated the leadership and faith these ministries seek to cultivate.
Despite periods of rain throughout the weekend, participants maintained a positive spirit and continued to enjoy the scheduled activities. Clubs adapted to changing weather conditions and embraced the outdoors, making the most of every opportunity for fellowship and fun.
Red Zone 2026 reflected the strength and vitality of Adventurer and Pathfinder ministry across Florida Conference. Behind every activity, competition, and recognition stood hundreds of dedicated volunteer leaders, parents, and ministry coordinators who invest their time and energy in mentoring young people. Their commitment continues to shape the next generation of disciples and leaders.
Florida | August 2026
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